PMO Review

As a PMO (Project Management Office), my role is to monitor and support projects. There are different roles this can take on but my job is more to focus on the finances and funding for different projects within the area. This includes: supporting project managers, creating forecasts for project funding, allocating resources and monitoring overall workings.

I have developed my communication skills - leading meetings and interacting in numerous discussions has increased my confidence and ability to speak to people on different levels. My IT skills have also improved - I had basic knowledge of applications from being in school but using them on a daily basis now means that I understand all functions properly and can use it in the most efficient way. Regular training sessions and activities on training websites has increased my knowledge on certain topics and also helped me with some university topics if I didn't fully understand in lectures.

I do enjoy my programme and I feel I get the support that I need to be able to succeed, I feel I can talk to someone (whether it be line manager, career coach, or skills coach at university) if I have an issue or question. Sometimes I feel as though others are progressing in the programming further than I am though as I do not always have as much work but each team is different.

This varies in different aspects of the programme. Training is sent out on a regular basis which helps us to keep on track and there are regular meetings with career coaches and skills coaches to check on progress and discuss any matters we feel we need to. These are really helpful as they allow me to mention that is on my mind whether good or bad. University is one day a week and we have a separate timetable with the university for this so we are aware of what we will be studying and tutors are always just an email away anyway. Individually in teams though is less structured. Depending on the team you are in you may have lots of work and a really interactive team but someone else could be in the opposite situation.

I receive a lot of support from my employer and I feel it is there for when I need it. I have weekly meetings with my line manager to discuss what I have been up to and anything that I need to work on. These are useful to get clarity on any tasks I have been set and ask any questions. I also have meetings with the Career Coach/apprentice mentor every few months to go through objectives and to work through progress made at work and university. Monthly Apprentice Cohort Meetings gives everyone the opportunity to discuss any matters that may impact on all apprentices too which can be helpful.

Support is definitely there if needed at university, it has to be ones own initiative to access it though. Every few months we have a meeting with the skills coach from university along with the line manager to discuss progress on the course, grades, objectives and generally how we are feeling. Tutors are also always available over email (or face-to-face when in university) to ask any questions and they will do all they can to answer questions. They may also point you in the direction of a good book in the library which can help and get another opinion.

After choosing the pathway to study at university I think that it does benefit my role as the teaching it closer to what I am doing. Whilst completing the qualification I think it has helped me to understand my role and the industry more and why things happen/work like they do. I don't necessarily consciously act on what I have learnt but I suppose it is always at the back of my mind when working.

There are lots of extra-curricular activities to get involved in at work. During the day, at lunchtime, there are multiple sports clubs and teams to join that meet on different days. There is also a gym that can be used any time of the day. There are also citizenship activities to volunteer at which I enjoy working on. These are events that involve the public such as school children coming in to learn about coding.

Yes

Barclays is great place to gain experience and learn new skills which will benefit you throughout your career. It is a really friendly place to work where everyone is willing to help with any questions. Do not need a huge knowledge in IT and technology to be able to do the apprenticeship as you can learn on the job and develop these skills and not all roles are as technological as others. It is a great experience even if just for the four years and the the supported degree is also a really good opportunity.

There is quite a lengthy application process but put your all into each stage, there are so many people applying it's a big achievement to get through any stages so don't waste that. The assessment days are not as scary as they may seem, they are quite informal and lots of team work. Just make sure to get involved where you can and be yourself.